Subaru Forester

Hitting the sweet spot among small SUVs, the Forester delivers a spacious interior, impressive safety equipment and crashworthiness, and outstanding visibility in a right-sized, affordable package. Fuel economy is excellent at 26 mpg overall, especially given the standard AWD. The ride is supple, and handling is very secure. Engine noise is pronounced when merging or climbing hills, however. Controls are straightforward and easy to use. The infotainment and connectivity systems have finally been updated with an intuitive touch screen. Midtrim Foresters bring a lot of content for the money, but it's easy to crest $30,000 with options packages. A feisty turbo comes with XT trim but compromises the value equation. The optional (and recommended) EyeSight system includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

Safety Equipment

ABS available, standard from 2001. Side air bags available from 2001, standard from 2003. ESC available from 2007, standard from 2009. Head protection air bags standard from 2009.

Road Test

Subaru's popular Forester continues to put function in front of form. It stands out from the crowd, resisting the contemporary trend toward making SUVs look like sports coupes with descending rooflines and curvaceous bodies. Instead, the Forester ace...

Highs

Lows

Cabin can get noisy

Fairly basic and spartan interior

Best Version to Get

Here are the major decisions you need to make when picking a Forester: All wheel drive (AWD) Unlike most SUVs, which offer either two-, four-, or all-wheel-drive, all Foresters have standard AWD. Which engine? Most Foresters have a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a...

Specifications

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD

Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification
number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership
can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.